SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:28 P.M. ET: 

POTENTIAL TRAVEL NEWS – The excitement builds, from rt.com:  "American whistleblower Edward Snowden is 'considering' returning home to the USA under certain conditions, his lawyer told German news magazine Der Spiegel.  'There are negotiations,' Snowden's German lawyer Wolfgang Kaleck told Der Spiegel. 'Those who know the case are aware that an amicable agreement with the US authorities will be most reasonable.'  All efforts are now focused on finding a solution acceptable for Edward Snowden, at least in the medium term, according to Kaleck, who is also secretary-general for the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights."  What a disgrace.  He can stay where he is.  I don't want him here, except to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.  If he does return, and evades jail time, you may be sure he'll be next year's star commencement speaker at one of our decrepit universities.

PROGRESS AT THE VA? – From AP:  "WASHINGTON (AP) — More veterans are being allowed to obtain health care at private hospitals and clinics in an effort to improve their treatment following allegations of falsified records and delays in treatment.  In a statement issued Saturday, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki also said VA facilities are enhancing capacity of their clinics so veterans can get care sooner. In cases where officials cannot expand capacity at VA centers, the Department of Veterans Affairs is 'increasing the care we acquire in the community through non-VA care,' Shinseki said.  Lawmakers from both parties have pressed for this policy change as the VA confronts allegations about treatment delays and falsified records at VA centers nationwide."  An important story at any time, but especially now, as we prepare to commemorate Memorial Day.

BRILLIANT – From WaPo:  "The CIA’s top officer in Kabul was exposed Saturday by the White House when his name was inadvertently included on a list provided to news organizations of senior U.S. officials participating in President Obama’s surprise visit with U.S. troops.  The White House recognized the mistake and quickly issued a revised list that did not include the individual, who had been identified on the initial release as the 'Chief of Station' in Kabul, a designation used by the CIA for its highest-ranking spy in a country.  The disclosure marked a rare instance in which a CIA officer working overseas had his cover — the secrecy meant to protect his actual identity — pierced by his own government."  Another contribution to national security by the administration of Field Marshal (in chief) Barack Obama.

May 25, 2014